Practice Group Descriptions

At STAT, we have three practice groups which are differentiated by practice frequency, duration, and intensity. Each group is detailed below. Swimmer placement is determined by the coaching staff as the swimmer progresses and learns to apply target skills from their group.

Charlies

This is our beginner group for kids who are new to competitive swimming. To swim in this group, kids need to be able to swim at least one length of the pool with their faces in the water utilizing side breathing. They should be able to swim complete one length doing freestyle and backstroke. Charlies are also expected to tread water or remain upright with their head out of the water in the deep end of the pool for ~30 seconds. This group practices 2-3 times a week for one hour each practice. The goal of this group is to expose swimmers to competitive swimming. The Charlie group spends time honing their technique and understanding of meet expectations and procedures to have the confidence to compete in swim meets. We encourage all swimmers to compete in meets as it is a great way for swimmers to connect the skills taught in practice. Competitions are a huge part of the learning process.

Bravos

This group is designed for kids who are ready to increase their practice length, but still require additional stroke and technique development. To swim in this group, kids need to be able to swim at least a 50 (2 lengths) of each stroke - butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. The should also be able to swim a 100 IM (a length of each stroke) and up to a 200 freestyle without taking extended breaks. This group has practices offered 4-5 times a week for 1.5 hours each practice. It is recommended swimmers attend up to a minimum of 3 practices per week. When swimmers first enter this group, our goal is to help them perfect their technique to swim all strokes legally and efficiently. As the swimmers become more consistent with their strokes, they will work to build their endurance or ability to swim at a higher intensity for longer periods of time. We strongly encourage all swimmers to compete in meets as it is a great way to make connections and understand how their practice habits directly impact their meet performance.  

Alphas

This group is intended for motivated and committed swimmers who are looking for a challenging, positive, and supportive team environment to achieve their individual goals. Swimmers in this group can vary in ages, however, we expect all high school age swimmers to enroll in this group. This group has practices offered 4-5 times a week for 2 hours each practice. It is recommended swimmers attend a minimum of 3-4 practices per week to maintain their endurance and to build their aerobic base. Swimmers in this group will complete practices with high intensity in sprint, mid-distance, and long distance focused sets. Individualized technique instruction will be provided to support swimmers as needed. Coaches will spend time designing practices to prepare swimmers to achieve whatever their individual goals may be. We encourage all swimmers at this level to compete in meets as their schedule allows.